How should I move my aquariums?

Question

I have two aquariums. 4 gal for my betta and 16 gal for my goldfish. My betta tank has been running for 7 weeks now but I had to replace all of the water 4 days ago. His ammonia is at 1, nitrite zero, nitrate zero. My goldfish (two weeks running) is doing better with ammonia and nitrite at zero and nitrates just starting to show at <10. Plan to move in about one month just up one flight of stairs. I can carry the betta, taking out a gallon or two of his water. Have read in previous answers that I can do this leaving the fish in their tanks. What are your thoughts please?

I have Biorb tanks that have under "stone" filters. Because of their orb construction I thought I could move them with a few gallons of water.

Answer 1

Any time you move a tank with water in it, you're risking a leak at a corner or bottom seam from twisting and tank weight (torque) if you have a rectangular glass tank.

It would be safest to move your fish into a clean container with water (a gallon Ziploc bag with water and stood upright in a box or bucket does nicely) and drain your aquarium to the point where there's just enough water to cover the gravel. This will also make the tank lighter, and not disturb any beneficial bacteria in your substrate.

I'd let the water run a few minutes in your new place before adding it to the tank - especially if no one has lived in where you're moving to - it will keep any metals or other nasty stuff that may have accumulated in the pipes from going into the tank.

Just set up your filter (I'm thinking you use a hang-on-type model here) on the tank, add dechlorinator to your filter and add the new water through your filter as well so chlorine doesn't kill your bacteria in the substrate. Finally, float your fish in the bag on the water and do small additions of the "new" tank water to the bag to acclimate him.

Answer 2

You can drain out almost all of your water and place it in empty water jugs, Betta's are shipped in about 4 inches of water. Just be careful and do not drop the tank. The problem with the larger tank is the weight. Remove a lot of the water into a Ice chest with handles. Carry the water up and then take the tank up. Reduce the weight as much as possible. You do not want to hurt your back, but what happens is the weight can cause the silicone sides to stretch. Then when you fill the tanks back up with in a few hours or days you will have a seam bust! Water every where and dead fish if you are not home. Just save at least 50% of the water if you can, do not wash out your gravel and carry the fish up in a closed ice chest. Hope that helps you. I've kept fish for 40 years and had an aquarium maintenance company as well!

Answer 3

When I moved my tanks, I did not keep the fish in them. I went to Walmart and purchased a bunch of the empty Plastic jugs (like 10 cents each) and put the aquarium water in them, and the fish in bags. By saving the water this way, it prevents you from having to hassle with cycleing the tank again. The best way to fill and unfill the tank is using a cyphen. Just leave the plants and decorations in the bottom, and move the tank without water in it. Simple.

Hope this helps.

By the way, the chemical called Cycle might help you with your tank cycling. You can get it at walmart, petsmart, or petco. It works great, and prevents fish death due to cycling.

Answer 4

you have to get a chlorine remover. Try something called START RIGHT it comes in either a powder/ liquid follow the instructiona and after you add it to tap water you can instantly put your fish in it. Also to transport get some small buckets or plastic bags put some tank water in it and either get a portable battery powered pump with hose and an air stone for each bucket. If your using plastic bags fill with some tank water and get some oxygn tabs they are sold in the pet section and put one in each bag. It will help them utilize the oxygen better. Buckets are you best bet. then drain the tanks fully. When your at you new place set up fill with the tap water and add the right amount of start right then rest bags in the tank for 15 mins. open the bags add small amounts of the tank water then you can release them. if it is a backet h=just net the fish out and you will be fine.

Answer 5

It is safe to take out as much water as you need to as long as the fish are covered with water. Before you add the water back put it in something and let it get room temperature are it could harm the fish. They don't like the water temperature to change on the quickly.